Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Genie

Author: Steven
Location: Louisiana

"Genie"

Directed by: Todd Field
Written by: Dan Futterman
Score by: John Williams

Principal Cast:

Dakota Fanning (Genie)
Toni Collette (Irene)
Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Clark)
Jennifer Connelly (Susan Curtiss)
Laura Linney (Jean Butler)
Richard Gere (David Rigler)
Patricia Clarkson (Marilyn Rigler)

Tagline: "An amazing true story of a genie in a bottle"

Synopsis: On November 4, 1970 a little girl was found in a room tied to a potty chair. This is the story of Genie. At the age of 20 months a doctor diagnosed Genie as possibly being mildly retarded. Her father, Clark, took this opinion to the extremes. Genie was isolated in a single room, tied to a potty chair during the day, and forced to sleep in a crib with a metal lid at night. When she was found, she was a 13 year old who appeared to be 8 with the mental capacity of an 18 month year old; she could not walk or talk. From here, the film chronicles the extensive research done on Genie be her doctors (led by Susan Curtiss) who tried to prove if there was a critical age that a child had to acquire a first language. It also follows Genie's many foster homes including stays with her doctor Jean Butler (who hoped Genie would make her famous), her therapist David Rigler, and even a brief stay with her blind mother, Irene.

What the press would say:

"Genie" is one of the best biopics to come out in recent years. Critics everywhere have praised Dakota Fanning's amazing performance. She embodies Genie, and her performance demands the audience's respect. The supporting cast is also excellent. Stand-outs include Toni Collette and Phillip Seymour Hoffman who play Genie's parents. The film has appeared on virtually every critic's top ten list and should have no problem receiving major award recognition.

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director (Todd Field)
Best Actress (Dakota Fanning)
Best Supporting Actor (Phillip Seymour Hoffman)
Best Supporting Actress (Toni Collette, Laura Linney)
Best Original Screenplay (Dan Futterman)
Best Film Editing

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